South Dakota
Coverage of South Dakota in the Nexus archive.
- Mystery bidder buys T. rex nicknamed ‘Gus’ for a record $50 million
A Tyrannosaurus rex fossil nicknamed 'Gus' was sold for $50.1 million at a Sotheby's auction, setting a new record. The previous record was held by a stegosaurus sold for nearly $45 million in 2024. The anonymous buyer outbid six others, and scientists hope the fossil will be publicly displayed in a museum.
- Mystery bidder buys T. rex nicknamed 'Gus' for a record $50 million
A Tyrannosaurus rex fossil named 'Gus' sold for $50.1 million to an anonymous bidder, setting a new record for dinosaur fossils. The previous record was nearly $45 million for a stegosaurus in 2024, and 'Gus' replaces a T. rex named 'Stan' as the most expensive dinosaur fossil sold. Scientists advocate for 'Gus' to be publicly displayed in a museum.
- Roundup: In-flight Wi-Fi / JPMorgan’s AI costs / $50.1M T. rex
Frontier Airlines will offer in-flight Wi-Fi via SpaceX’s Starlink starting next year. JPMorgan advises employees to avoid costly AI tools for simple tasks to prioritize cost efficiency. A rare Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton named 'Gus' sold for $50.1 million at Sotheby's, sparking debate over private fossil ownership.
- Mystery bidder buys T. rex nicknamed 'Gus' for a record $50 million
A Tyrannosaurus rex fossil nicknamed 'Gus' sold for $50.1 million at Sotheby's, breaking the previous record for a dinosaur fossil. The 67-million-year-old specimen, discovered in South Dakota, outbid the 2024 record-holder 'Apex' and the 2020 'Stan' T. rex. Scientists advocate for publicly displaying scientifically significant fossils like 'Gus' in museums.
- Mystery winner buys T-rex nicknamed 'Gus' for a record $50 million at auction
A Tyrannosaurus rex fossil nicknamed 'Gus' sold for $50.1 million at a Sotheby's auction, setting a new record for the most expensive dinosaur bones ever auctioned. The 67-million-year-old specimen, discovered in South Dakota, outbid the previous record of a stegosaurus sold for $45 million in 2024 and a T. rex named 'Stan' sold for $32 million in 2020.
- Rare T. rex fossil sells for record $50.1 million at auction
A 67-million-year-old T. rex skeleton named Gus sold for $50.1 million at a Sotheby's auction in New York, setting a new fossil sale record. The skeleton, found in South Dakota, is 61% complete by bone count and includes rare features like a complete pelvis and both feet. The previous record was held by a Stegosaurus fossil sold for $44.6 million in 2024.
- More than 125 million Americans under dangerous heat coast to coast
More than 125 million Americans are experiencing dangerous heat across the country. Cities in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota set daily heat records on Monday.
- Appeals court reverses decision on immigrant detention, leaving no-bond policy in place
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a previous ruling requiring bond hearings for immigrants under the Trump administration’s mandatory detention policy, allowing indefinite detention without bond in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. The Supreme Court will address a related case in October, while the 8th Circuit Court upheld the policy in seven Midwestern states.
- Trump at Mount Rushmore warns of Communist ‘enemy’ in ‘optimistic’ speech celebrating America’s birthday
President Trump delivered a speech at Mount Rushmore on Independence Day, warning of a Communist 'enemy' and issuing a 'fierce rebuke' of communism during a commemoration of America’s 250th birthday. His remarks, described as partisan, included a 'thinly-veiled dark threat' against unspecified adversaries.
- Extreme heat bears down as America 250 celebrations ramp up. Trump heads to Mount Rushmore
America's 250th independence anniversary celebrations are underway amid extreme heat, with President Donald Trump set to speak at Mount Rushmore and Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressing the milestone in New York City. Events include fireworks and military flyovers, but heat warnings have led to cancellations and adjustments in parts of the Midwest and East Coast.
- Scorching temperatures force changes to some July 4 events
The U.S. is celebrating the 250th anniversary of independence with events like fireworks and a ball drop in Times Square, but extreme heat has forced changes, including canceled rehearsals and added safety measures. Political groups Freedom 250 and America250 are organizing events, with the latter handling ball drops and concerts.
- Pres. Trump travels to South Dakota
President Trump is traveling to Mount Rushmore in South Dakota for a 250th anniversary celebration featuring fireworks, military bands, and flyovers, including the new Air Force One. He will deliver a keynote address at the site, which features four U.S. presidents' faces, and has previously visited the monument for a 2020 event.
- Pres. Trump travels to South Dakota
President Trump is traveling to Mount Rushmore in South Dakota for a celebration marking America’s 250th anniversary, featuring fireworks, military bands, and a flyover by the new Air Force One. The event includes a keynote address and references Trump’s previous visit in 2020, where the monument’s first official fireworks display in over a decade occurred. Trump has previously joked about adding his face to the monument.
- Pres. Trump travels to South Dakota
President Donald Trump is traveling to Mount Rushmore in South Dakota for a 250th anniversary celebration featuring fireworks, military bands, and a flyover by the new Air Force One. The event includes a keynote address by Trump, who previously visited the site in 2020 and has humorously suggested adding his face to the monument.
- More states tighten voting rules ahead of midterm elections
Nine U.S. states (Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Utah, and West Virginia) have enacted laws to restrict voting access, with proponents arguing these measures enhance election integrity. Critics, including organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center, contend the laws disproportionately disenfranchise eligible voters, particularly marginalized groups. Key figures such as Florida's Ron DeSantis and Utah's Deidre Henderson support the policies, while advocates like Sonya Williams Barnes of the Southern Poverty Law Center highlight concerns over noncitizen voting and voter suppression.
- Western, Southeastern states see economic bumps in first quarter
Western and Southeastern states experienced significant GDP growth in the first quarter of 2025, with Washington state rising 4.5% due to an AI boom. North and South Dakota saw large personal income increases from higher oil prices but minimal economic output growth after inflation adjustments. Hawaii faced a 23.9% income decline due to tourism and federal job cuts.
- Western, Southeastern states see economic bumps in first quarter
Western and Southeastern states experienced significant GDP growth in Q1 2025, driven by Washington's AI industry boom and increases in California, North Carolina, and South Carolina. North and South Dakota saw sharp personal income rises due to higher oil prices, but their economic output stagnated or declined after inflation adjustments. Hawaii faced a 23.9% income drop linked to tourism and federal job cuts.
- Mayor’s Race in South Dakota’s Largest City Rests on 2 Votes
The mayoral race in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is decided by a two-vote margin. Christine Erickson, a mayoral candidate, participated in a debate earlier this month.
- Trump to Meet With G.O.P. Senators Amid New Divisions
President Trump is set to meet with G.O.P. senators amid new divisions, particularly a feud with Senator John Thune over political and policy issues.
- South Dakota man whose life sentence was commuted by Noem now implicated in his niece’s death
Two men, including Mark Milk whose life sentence was commuted by South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, face charges in the death of 14-year-old McKenna Wendel. Wendel's body was found five days after she went missing in March, and Milk is accused of possession of cocaine leading to her death and conspiracy to cover up the crime.
- ‘Heart-wrenching’: 2 men, including uncle, charged in disappearance and death of teen girl
Two men, Mark Milk (McKenna Wendel's uncle) and Jon Rogness, were indicted in federal court in Iowa for charges related to the death of 14-year-old McKenna Wendel. Charges include drug possession resulting in death, transporting a minor, and conspiracy. The investigation involved multiple jurisdictions in South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota.
- South Dakota man whose life sentence was commuted by Noem now implicated in his niece's death
Two men, including one whose life sentence was commuted by then-South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, have been charged in the death of a 14-year-old girl. Her body was found five days after she went missing in March.
- South Dakota man whose life sentence was commuted by Noem now implicated in his niece's death
A South Dakota man, Mark Milk, whose life sentence was commuted by then-Gov. Kristi Noem, is charged in the death of his 14-year-old niece, McKenna Wendel, whose body was found five days after she went missing. Milk faces five counts related to her death, including possession of cocaine that caused it, while another man, Jon Rogness, faces conspiracy and accessory charges.
- Harold Washington fought for voting rights. Here we are again, as Republicans push Save America Act
Harold Washington, Chicago's first Black mayor, led the 1982 extension of the Voting Rights Act to protect jurisdictions with histories of racial discrimination. Today, the SAVE America Act, supported by President Donald Trump and Republicans, faces criticism for potentially restricting voting access, mirroring past battles over voting rights.
- Senate Republicans grow increasingly frustrated with Trump blindsiding them
Senate Republicans express frustration with Donald Trump's unexpected actions. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, held a news conference following a weekly Senate Republican policy luncheon.
- Popular Tex-Mex chain On The Border closing restaurants across the country. Here’s where
On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina is closing all company-owned locations by Friday, following a bankruptcy filing in 2025 and acquisition by Pappas Restaurants. Franchises in California, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, and South Korea will remain open independently. The company is evaluating future strategic options for the brand.
- Popular Tex-Mex chain On The Border closing restaurants across the country. Here’s where
On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina is closing all company-owned locations by the end of the day Friday, following a bankruptcy filing in 2025 and acquisition by Pappas Restaurants. Franchises in California, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, and South Korea will remain open independently.
- Popular Tex-Mex chain On The Border closing restaurants across the country. Here’s where
On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina is closing all company-owned locations by Friday after filing for bankruptcy in 2025. Franchises in California, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, and South Korea will remain open, and the company is exploring strategic options for the brand. The chain was acquired by Texas-based Pappas Restaurants following its bankruptcy.
- How a hospital is helping solve a hometown housing shortage
Fall River Health Services in Hot Springs, South Dakota, is investing in a subdivision project to provide housing for its employees. The initiative aims to address a local housing shortage.
- Eighth Circuit skeptical of South Dakotans’ challenge to ballot petition deadline
A federal appeals court panel in the Eighth Circuit expressed skepticism toward a challenge to South Dakota’s revised ballot petition deadline, which shifted the submission period for citizen-led measures from May to February. The advocacy group Dakotans for Health argued the change unconstitutionally restricts political speech, but the court questioned whether the earlier deadline imposes an undue burden, with state attorneys defending it as a reasonable measure to allow more time for legal challenges before elections.
- The Bidens Return With New Book and South Dakota Speech Targeting Trump
The Bidens are releasing a new book and delivering a speech in South Dakota aimed at Donald Trump. Joseph R. Biden Jr. appeared at a South Carolina Democratic Party rally in February.
- States where a bachelor's degree pays off the most and least, ranked
The article ranks U.S. states by the earnings gap between adults with a bachelor's degree and those with some college or an associate degree. California has the largest gap (58.5%), while South Dakota has the smallest (17.1%), with urban states showing wider disparities than rural economies reliant on industries like agriculture and manufacturing.
- Agency Village Man Sentenced to 21 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death
A man from Agency Village, South Dakota, was sentenced to 21 years in federal prison for distributing a controlled substance that resulted in death. The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons and conducted by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann on June 1, 2026.
- House Republicans struggle to win promotions
House Republicans are experiencing challenges in advancing to higher office, with several losing gubernatorial and Senate primaries. Notable losses include Dusty Johnson and Randy Feenstra, while others face competitive races. Some Republicans, like Ashley Hinson and Andy Barr, secured Senate primary wins.
- Toby Doeden and Larry Rhoden Advance to Runoff for South Dakota Governor
Toby Doeden, a businessman, is seeking political office for the first time. Toby Doeden and Larry Rhoden have advanced to the runoff for South Dakota Governor.
- Thune plans to move forward on stalled $72B budget reconciliation bill Wednesday
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) plans to advance a $72 billion budget reconciliation bill on the Senate floor Wednesday, aiming to secure enough Republican votes for passage. The bill's floor debate would include a series of amendment votes likely extending through Thursday morning.
- Doeden, Rhoden head to GOP runoff in South Dakota governor’s race
South Dakota’s GOP primary for governor will have a July runoff as no candidate reached 35%. Toby Doeden led with 30.6%, and incumbent Gov. Larry Rhoden secured the second spot.
- Rapid City Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Child Solicitation and Child Pornography Charges
A Rapid City man was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for charges related to child solicitation and child pornography. The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons and conducted by Judge Camela C. Theeler.
- Hilton, Becerra lead California governor race: Key primary election results
Hilton and Becerra are leading in the California governor race following key primary election results. Primaries were also held in Iowa, New Jersey, New Mexico, Montana, and South Dakota.
- Bitter GOP primary for South Dakota governor heads to runoff as Toby Doeden advances
Toby Doeden will advance to a runoff for the GOP nomination for South Dakota governor, as projected by CBS News, following a competitive and contentious primary. The primary is described as frequently contentious, with Doeden labeled a businessman and self-described outsider.